Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has recently shared his thoughts on his all-time best teammate during his illustrious career with the club. While many former players tend to highlight Lionel Messi as their greatest companion, Deco has chosen to spotlight Ronaldinho, a teammate who left a lasting impression on him.
Deco, who joined Barcelona in 2004 after playing a pivotal role in Porto’s UEFA Champions League triumph under Jose Mourinho, experienced the rise of Messi during his time at the club. In his first season, he witnessed the early stages of Messi’s extraordinary talent as the young star began to make his mark in La Liga.
In a candid interview with former Brazil and Barcelona striker Romario, Deco expressed his admiration for Ronaldinho, stating, “He had so much technical ability, it was just wow! He did things very different to anyone else.” Despite this, he acknowledged Messi as the most complete teammate he ever had, showcasing the unique talent and skills both players brought to the pitch.
Ronaldinho, who joined Barcelona a year before Deco from Paris Saint-Germain, became a fan favorite, scoring 94 goals in 207 appearances and winning multiple championships before moving to AC Milan in 2008.
Deco’s reflections on his time with these two footballing legends highlight not only the individual brilliance of Ronaldinho but also his profound impact on the club’s legacy and the emergence of future stars like Messi. As Barcelona continues to evolve and seek new talents, it’s these foundational stories of greatness that remind fans of the club’s rich history.